Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Hershey, PA
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School Detail
APPLICATION FEE
$90
Tuition In State
$60,034
Tuition Out of State
$65,806
Average GPA
3.82
AVERAGE MCAT
512
School Overview
- Degrees
- MD
- Ownership
- Public Non-Profit
- Program Length
- 4 years
- Total Enrollment
- 148
- Founding Year
- 1967
- Accreditation Year
- 1967
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SDN Insights
Cost of Attendance: $422,820
Estimate repayment
Estimated loan burden for PSU using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.
Cost of Living: Near national average cost of living
Hershey, PA is close to the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment keeps the $3,000 monthly allowance at about $2,970 per month. Treat this as a city-level budgeting estimate, not the school's official cost of attendance.
Environment: Urban
Although the area around PSU relies largely on car travel, a solid bike network makes cycling a practical alternative. Students with bikes will enjoy greater mobility and access to nearby amenities compared to those relying on foot alone.
Interview Feedback
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 29% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
Secondary Essays for PSU
1. Career Goals and Future Aspirations
If not currently enrolled in a full-time academic program, please summate your activities from graduation through application, as well as your plans until matriculation. (75 words)
2. Motivation and Fit
Is there a unique aspect of your application that should be considered by the admissions committee? (75 words)
3. Motivation and Fit
Explain why you decided to apply to the Penn State College of Medicine. (75 words)
4. Leadership and Teamwork
Write a short paragraph describing a significant experience you have had working in a team setting. (250 words)
5. Community, Diversity, and Equity
Write a short statement describing how you envision using your medical education to advance care for under-represented or marginalized populations. (250 words)
About the School
In 1963, The M. S. Hershey Foundation offered $50 million to The Pennsylvania State University to establish a medical school in Hershey. With this grant and $21.3 million from the U.S. Public Health Service, the University built a medical school, teaching hospital, and research center. Ground was broken in 1966 and Penn State's College of Medicine opened its doors to the first class of students in 1967 and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center accepted the first patients in 1970. Penn State College of Medicine is committed to enhancing the quality of life through improved health, the professional preparation of those who will serve the health needs of others, and the discovery of knowledge that will benefit all.
Curriculum
The practice of medicine is undergoing major changes. Many of these changes are part of a transformation that will alter the way health care is organized and delivered in the future. The Penn State curriculum is designed to reinforce the enduring tenets of the practice of medicine and address the broad and changing healthcare needs of society. The curriculum is learner-centered and has been developed to prepare our students for work in a more integrated healthcare system. The Committee on Undergraduate Medical Education, composed of faculty and students, meets regularly to evaluate and modify the curriculum to keep pace with new knowledge and changes in healthcare delivery. The curriculum for the first two years is interdisciplinary and integrated, and combines elements of traditional teaching with case-based learning. The third and fourth years are a continuum of clinical rotations. Students first take required core clerkships and one or two selectives followed by required advanced clerkships and electives.
Facilities
The original buildings at Penn State Hershey Medical Center included the Medical Science Building and medical center, Animal Research Farm, Laundry and Steam Plant, and University Manor Apartments. Since 1970, the campus has grown from 318 to 550 acres. Many additions have been made to the academic and patient-care facilities. Today, Penn State Hershey Medical Center has completed several carefully planned construction projects. Additions were made to reflect a steady increase in patient demand for services and to expand research and teaching programs. In 2000-2001 Penn State Hershey Medical Center admitted 20,622 patients and provided care through 524,411 outpatient and 33,705 emergency-service visits. Penn State Hershey Medical Center has 5,028 employees, 500 volunteers, and the College of Medicine enrolls more than 600 students annually.
Last Updated: Sep 06, 2025